Once you’ve gone without a period for 12 months, you’re officially in the postmenopause stage. However menopausal symptoms can last an average of four years, according to experts – and one in 10 women might experience them for 12 years after their last period. That’s because your hormone levels shift and remain low.

“In most cases, the symptoms do ease off after a time as our bodies find the harmony of hormonal balance,” says Dr Arif. “Having said that, I do have one 92-year-old patient who still uses oestrogen gel as still she has symptoms. So how long symptoms last can be very individual. Symptoms can also wax and wane – and come back after appearing to settle down.” 

In other words, if you continue to experience symptoms, you don’t necessarily need to worry. However, if they are impacting your sense of wellbeing or bother you, you’re not going mad. You simply need to see a doctor to discover how to get them under control.

Symptoms after menopause

You should be aware that when you are postmenopausal, you are at a higher risk for certain conditions including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and vaginal atrophy.

With osteoporosis, women can lose 25% or more of their bone density after menopause, according to the Cleveland Clinic in America, making them at risk of fractures and falls. To protect yourself against osteoporosis, eat foods high in calcium – not just cheese and yoghurt but also fortified cereals, spinach, chia seeds and sardines. Taking vitamin D helps you absorb calcium. Other steps to take include getting plenty of exercise, including weight-bearing exercise such as strength training or using resistance bands, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking and reduce drinking.

With cardiovasular, the reduction in oestrogen can cause fat to build up in your arteries and narrow them. The weight gain associated with menopause also impacts cardiovascular health, as can visceral fat (the fat that’s stored around our organs rather than subcutaneous fat which is stored below the skin). Keep tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels and see your GP about any changes.

Our next section deals with one of the most visible effects of menopause: weight gain.